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22
Nov 2021
Upset and anger as Otley Road tree felled for cycle path
A Harrogate resident said he is "upset and angry" because a mature tree was felled today to make way for the Otley Road cycle path.
Works have continued throughout November to build the new cycle path, which is part of a package of sustainable transport measures in the west of Harrogate.
For the first phase of the route, a section is being created between Harlow Moor Road and Cold Bath Road.
But to make way for the route, two mature trees have to be felled, including one today near Pannal Ash Drive.
Chris Dicken, who has lived off Otley Road for 35 years, said he enjoyed looking at the tree and was angry to see workers remove it this morning.
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The long-awaited introduction of a cycle path on Otley Road has been welcomed by Harrogate District Cycle Action as a major step forward for active travel infrastructure in the town.
However, Mr Dicken, who is a cyclist himself, criticised the "badly designed" cycle path. He believes cyclists will not be encouraged to use it because 58% of it will be shared with pedestrians.
Karl Battersby, corporate director of business and environmental services at North Yorkshire County Council said:
Works have also taken place to widen the junction on Harlow Moor Road for motorists, which has involved the felling of ten other trees.
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